Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days/ 3 Nights
For those that are looking for an adventure and high altitude mountain landscapes that will challenge most trekkers, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your best choice. We have designed a trek with its own distinctive features, an exclusive trek into the diverse landscapes. See incomparable views of the towering snow-hooded mountain peaks of Humantay (5 473m/17 956ft) and Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft). Visit the picturesque deep blue, crystal-clear lagoons that are named after the great mountains that sustain them, Lake Humantay and Lake Salkantay. Encounter Amazon Jungle landscapes with several micro-climates, with their own exotic flora and fauna.
Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical trail. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata where you have an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu. For your last morning, visit the famous and mystical World Heritage site of Machu Picchu Citadel! Experience for yourself what sets our alternative treks to Machu Picchu apart from what other tour operators have to offer. All our treks are customized, unique and personalized to suite the individual.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, Llactapata Ruins, Huayna Picchu Mountain
For those that are looking for an adventure and high altitude mountain landscapes that will challenge most trekkers, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is your best choice. We have designed a trek with its own distinctive features, an exclusive trek into the diverse landscapes. See incomparable views of the towering snow-hooded mountain peaks of Humantay (5 473m/17 956ft) and Salkantay (6 271m/ 20 574ft). Visit the picturesque deep blue, crystal-clear lagoons that are named after the great mountains that sustain them, Lake Humantay and Lake Salkantay. Encounter Amazon Jungle landscapes with several micro-climates, with their own exotic flora and fauna.
Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical trail. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of Llactapata where you have an extraordinary view of Machu Picchu. For your last morning, visit the famous and mystical World Heritage site of Machu Picchu Citadel! Experience for yourself what sets our alternative treks to Machu Picchu apart from what other tour operators have to offer. All our treks are customized, unique and personalized to suite the individual.
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Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay lake – Sorococcha.
Your Andean mountain adventure begins at 4:30am when we pick you up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3 hours to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the curvy roads in the Andes, you will have views of the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. At the Soraypampa trailhead, we have our delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers.
We then take a 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to visit the turquoise blue Humantay Lake. Where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake. Be mesmerized by the beauty of such an incredible creation of nature, then we hike back down to the starting point to continue with your trek to Salkantay Pampa, where you will enjoy a hot lunch made by our chef.
Next, we make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha (4,400m / 14,517ft), situated at the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain. At camp, will have afternoon tea to warm up and appetizers waiting for us. Your tents will already be set up and you can settle in before dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 12kms / 8 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
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Day 2: Sorococha – The Pass -Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Lucmabamba
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of coffee or tea to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. After a tasty breakfast we continue onwards and upwards for one hour, we reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). Your will feel truly awed by the spectacular views of these three towering snow-capped mountains: Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay. These peaks are considered sacred by Quechua people and your guide will tell you about how important these Apus are in traditional Andean beliefs. Below you are spectacular rivers of whitewater and small scenic lakes. Then we head down for 2 hours to Huayracmachay for our hot lunch. Then we descend for 3 hours toward the rural community of Chayllay and along the way, you will love the refreshing lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. You have crossed over from the dry Andean highlands and are descending towards the warm and humid Amazon!
Then we will take the local transpotation to Lucmabamba where we will camp.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After another hot drink enjoyed in your sleeping bag, you will be treated to the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. From here, we walk in the footsteps of the Inca, along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will be amazed at the incredible views of deep valleys reaching into the distance with their fruit plantations. We finally arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins; located right across the valley from Machu Picchu. There, we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu and its surrounding mountains Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon. From there, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco. Nearby, we have lunch before we take the train for a half hour to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and go to our hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 3* Accommodation: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
- Time: Approximately 9 hours
- Difficulty : Moderate
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Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu you will have time to enjoy the hike and views on your own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 2:55pm or 3:20pm.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:00pm depending on traffic.
- Meal included: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK?
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (restaurant)
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for camping equipment and personal items)
- Pack horse for 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Pillow and comfortable foam mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS?
- Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for single travelers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SPIDER TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Our 4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can depart on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
PRICE
$547 USD per person with 3* hotel
$517 USD per person without hotel
***Private price is $200 USD extra per person.
Pack horses included! This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag in which you can put your things. We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
- Single supplement: $40 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price
- EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15lbs like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc
- BOILED WATER is included at each meal along the trek
- OXYGEN TANK will be available for emergencies
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price, which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
- CAMPING PILLOW
- PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by SPIDER Travel Peru
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek’s start. Look for our representative holding an orange SPIDER Travel Peru board outside the arrivals terminal.
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
During the Salkantay 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to select your trek/tour date and the number of travelers on the right hand side. Then proceed to the next page to complete the booking form.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu permits and train tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@spidertravelperu.com to complete the payment.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children between the ages of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@spidertravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay 4 day Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 USD per person.
We must have a copy of your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one. If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to enter the trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both passports, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 1 to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. Spider Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
HIKING SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS
The evening before you start your Salkantay trek 4 days to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Salkantay 4 day Trek is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SPIDER Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the facilities supplied by the government which may be dirty.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE SALKANTAY TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Spider Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SALKANTAY TREK 4 DAYS ?
Absolutely! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our treks and packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (during high season it could be booked out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and a chance to enjoy the amazing views of the landscape from the train, on the way back to Cusco. Therefore we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceilings. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SPIDER Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as your budget will allow, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK
- Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid university card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (you must have reusable, not disposable water bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SPIDER Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 3kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. Another option is to request an extra porter for an additional fee. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters (optional)
- 2 Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer to bring something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR SALKANTAY 4 DAY TREK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your reusable bottles
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SPIDER)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
